One of the hardest things with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. We have started to list some of the apps we've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

14 iPad Apps for Storytelling in the Classroom

Storytelling continues to gain popularity as an educational activity as it stimulates a deep thinking process, it provides opportunities for reflection and it enhances and enriches the learning experience for our students. Storytelling is a very powerful way of communicating with our peers and portrays to others who we are and what our own stories are. It also provides an opportunity to connect with a group by creating a shared experience. This is vital in any community but more so in an educational setting where we are nurturing and fostering creativity.

So here are a number of apps that provide the tools for students to participate in the long and rich history of storytelling. Just because it is in a digital format does not make it any less rich to either the audience or within the medium.

Sock Puppets:Sock Puppets lets you add Puppets, props, scenery, and backgrounds and start creating. Hit the record button and the puppets automatically lip-synch to your voice. Switch backgrounds to take your puppets to different places, move the puppets, props and scenery to animate them while recording. Cartoon and photo realistic puppets are included.

Doodlecast is a drawing app that records your voice as you draw. Kids can choose from prompts or start a drawing from scratch. The app records the drawing process along with audio to create videos up to three minutes long. The videos are as fun to watch as they are to create.

This is an app that allows you to share your story with other Storyrobe users. You can add to existing stories to create longer tales of travel, events or history or you can create your own. This app can be used for work, school or just to share stories with each other.

Storypatch is a storytelling app designed for children to create their own picture books. It has hundreds of images in it’s library as well as the ability to import photos. Students will love this app because they will be creating fun and engaging stories almost immediately.

Create your very own comic book page using photos from your camera roll or takes new ones in-app. With this fun and unique layouts and caption bubbles, anyone can create the story they have always wanted to tell. Email your stories, your creations from your photo album.

Create your own animated stories. Simply pick out the characters, drag them onstage and tap record. Movements and audio is recorded for your performance. If you get the Directors Pass you can act out a story of Pirates on the high seas, fight scary monsters or play the part of a wild west bandit.

This is a powerful video app that allows you to create, edit and share movie clips on your iPad. Smooth or blend transition between scene changes are its biggest feature but it also does Ken Burns, text overlays, music imports and voice over capabilities. A great storytelling app.

This is a comic strip creation with included page templates. Add photos and a couple of speech bubbles and additional effect stickers and you have a professional looking comic or graphic novel. You can even paint on the photos or draw sketches from scratch.

This app is like a narrated slideshow of your images. You can add images from your library or take new ones in app. The images can be arranged any way you like and then you records a voiceover that narrates your story as you swipe through your images.

Making cartoons is as easy as putting on a puppet show - simple press the button, move your characters onscreen, and tell your stories through play. Once you are done, Toontastic will playback your animation and voice asa cartoon for you to share with firends and classmates.

Create an electronic storybook. Write some text, illustrate by drawing on the screen, tag a photograph or drawing on paper and then photograph the image. Sounds can be recorded for narration or effects and the layout elements of your story can be dragged, pinch and altered with ease.

Create multi-celled cartoons straight from your iPad. Some characters and backgrounds are included all you need to do is select the ones you want and drag them in to place. Add your speech bubbles and you can make any situation both entertaining and informative.

Turn your own photos into a dynamic comic book. Insert images into customisable templates that allow pan, zoom in and zoom out. Add you speech bubbles from the selection and then use the app to share with other or social networks.

Photocomic is easy to use and discover. Start by selecting a layout, ad photos to each frame and then select one of the various bubbles to add text. Interaction with each object by double tapping. Capture the right moments and re present your story creatively.

I have used 7 of these Story apps with my 5th graders, and let me tell you, they are absolutely amazing to see in action. These apps have allowed my students to bring storytelling to life, and takes them to the next level. I am very fond of Sonic Pics, where they can use their own photos. However, Puppet Pals now allows you to bring your own characters and backgrounds. Very cool!!!!